Nature's inventiveness often inspires human innovation, as in the well-known case of Velcro. Learn about other inventions featured in "Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Everyday Things," an exhibit currently on display at the San Jose Museum of Art.

New research shows that market squid may have something to offer the engineering sector: skin cells that can switch between transparent and white. Humans could use these cells to develop new bio-inspired materials; squid probably use them for cross-dressing.